Increased risk of international tenants

Landlord Discussion
1

Hi,

This is obviously a delicate topic, however, one which I’d like to ask advice on.

Our tenant has now not paid rent for 6 months. They attempted to blame this on mould but environmental health turned their case down based on our timely response and the council’s decision the mould was caused by the tenant’s behaviour.

Out of spite and based on the fact we had no control, the tenant continued not to pay leaving the current arrears. They now have the option of returning to their country of residence without paying a thing back to us.

Has anyone else experienced this and what can be done about it. This was my first experience as a landlord and so any input from those more experienced would be great. Thankyou

2

Yet another example of how landlords are screwed. Complete scumbags taking advantage.

I base things on what works for me and my family, not what works for those in weak positions, regardless of what the ignorant rule makers think.

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3

I do not see any issue renting to oversea students or those in the similar situation, I have done that in the past, i currently have 2 in my rented properties and i believe i will continue to rent to them .

HOWEVER, what i always do and will continue to do is get 2 guarantors who are settled in the UK or at least aren’t student themselves. If they can’t provide those, let them find other places to rent.

i guess its too late for you now, hopefully you have a reasonable deposit to hold on to

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4

Cheers both. Hindsight’s a great thing. I think I can wave goodbye to the money now but the double guarantor thing is definitely something I’ll take on in the future.

5

Yes certainly required for overseas especially. I tend to require most of the time now.

6

TBH I think you need to consider whether or not you should continue as a landlord. Of course foreign tenants can always do a runner. But how you let them get away with not paying for 6 months indicates a softness that will always be exploited. Its a dog eat dog world and the fact you think this is a touchy subject when it is just a legal fact emphasises you are a bit soft. Mould has become the reason de jour and in many cases it is a valid complaint. Even if there are no construction problems you have to instruct tenants on humidity management as 99% of all people of whatever nationality have no idea. All landlords should take steps to mould proof their properties by fixing the fundamental problems at the root and by making sure they have ventilation installed that is out of the control of the tenant, i.e. permanent trickle vents with humidity boosters. Never extractor fans which the tenant may or may not turn on.

7

You seem to have made some considerable assumptions on very limited information. Have you heard of heuristics? It’s easy to cast judgement without context, but, this is a fools game.
Have I been naive - yes absolutely, but, when people start out in any venture the probability of mistakes being made is increased.
With regards to mould, the insulation in the roof cavity did not meet building regs but due to it being council leasehold they weren’t going to take immediate responsibility for this and I was aware of this. I cleaned and provided adequate info for how to manage mould. That covered my back. There’s no point applying a treatment when the cold and warm air are still going to meet - it’s a sticking plaster. The advice given on previous post made absolute sense about multiple guarantors

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8

Which country are they returning to? In some countries a court order for your costs would still be enforceable, but not straightforward.

9

Thanks David. I’ll take a look into that. It was Poland. I have a barrister friend who may know more

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